How to Replace an Oven Bake Element
When an electric oven won't heat, a failed bake element is the most common cause — and one of the easiest oven repairs. If the element doesn't glow, has a visible break, or a blistered burned spot, replace it. It is usually two screws and two wires.
Confirm the Element Is Bad
Look at the curved bake element on the oven floor during preheat — a good one glows bright orange evenly. If it stays dark, has a break, or a swollen/blistered spot, it has failed. You can also test it for continuity with a multimeter (no continuity = bad).
Cut the Power
This is non-negotiable — turn off the oven's breaker before touching the element. The element runs on 240V. Confirm the oven is cold.
Remove the Old Element
The bake element is held by two screws at the back of the oven floor. Remove the screws and gently pull the element forward — the two wires are attached at the back. Hold the wires so they don't slip back through the rear wall (clip them or tape them), then disconnect them from the element terminals.
Install the New Element
Connect the two wires to the new element's terminals (they're interchangeable), push the element back into place, and reinstall the two screws. Restore power and test — the new element should glow evenly and the oven should heat. Match the replacement to your model number.
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FAQ
If it doesn't glow during preheat, has a visible break, or a blistered/burned spot, it has failed. A multimeter continuity test confirms it. Replacement is an easy two-screw, two-wire job.
No — it's one of the easiest oven repairs, usually 15 minutes. Just cut the power at the breaker first (the element is 240V), and match the part to your model.
Always unplug an appliance and shut off its water supply before servicing. This guide is informational and not a substitute for a qualified technician.